Jaundice overview
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Jaundice overview On the Web |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief:
Overview
Jaundice is yellowish discoloration of the skin, conjunctiva (a clear covering over the sclera, or whites of the eyes) and mucous membranes caused by hyperbilirubinemia (increased levels of bilirubin in red blooded animals). Usually the concentration of bilirubin in the blood must exceed 2–3 mg/dL for the coloration to be easily visible.
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
When red blood cells die, the heme in their haemoglobin is converted to bilirubin in the spleen and in the hepatocytes in the liver. The bilirubin is processed by the liver, enters bile and is eventually excreted through feces.
Consequently, there are three different classes of causes for jaundice. Pre-hepatic or hemolytic causes, where too many red blood cells are broken down, hepatic causes where the processing of bilirubin in the liver does not function correctly, and post-hepatic or extrahepatic causes, where the removal of bile is disturbed.
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural History, Complications, and Prognosis
Natural History
Complications
Prognosis
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms
Common symptoms of jaundice that the patient will notice, is yellowing of the skin, nausea, and vomiting. Specific symptoms will depend on the underlying factor that caused jaundice to occur.
Physical Examination
Imaging Findings
CT
Abdominal CT scan may be helpful.
Other Diagnostic Studies
Endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP)
Treatment
Medical Therapy
The mainstay of treatment for jaundice is to conjugate the unconjugated bilirubin or excretion and clearance of bilirubin from the circulation. Jaundice is treated mainly through treating underlying diseases, such as viral hepatitis, alcoholic hepatitis, or cirrhosis.
Surgery
Surgery is not the first-line treatment option for patients with jaundice. Surgery is usually reserved for patients with either cirrhosis, cholestasis, and liver failure. The surgical procedures which are used to treat jaundice include transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunting (TIPS), cholecystectomy, and liver transplantation.